Chapter 97

In the second semester of her sophomore year, the pace clearly intensified. In addition to classes, the after-school homework workload doubled.

Under Li Xiang’s influence, Yu Nian adjusted her attitude toward studying. She no longer simply copied answers whenever she had the chance, as she had done before. Instead, she began diligently working through problems on her own, even discussing them with Li Xiang from time to time.

After all, this world remained an enigma for both her and Li Xiang. They didn’t know if they could return to their original reality, so they had to prepare for the worst. If they couldn’t go back, they would need to be fully qualified to survive in this world.

It was like living a completely new life, and neither of them wanted to miss out on each other again.

In the blink of an eye, May arrived. The Wutong trees lining the campus paths were in bloom, with clusters of pale lavender flowers filling the air with a fresh fragrance, carried by the spring breeze that brushed gently against one’s face. It was so refreshing that it drew many passersby to stop and admire the scene.

“Chi Yao, come take a picture of me and Manman!” Yu Nian only used Li Xiang’s real name in private; in front of others, she would call him by the male lead’s name.

She pulled Liu Manman along, running a few steps to stand under the blooming trees, excitedly waving toward Li Xiang, who wasn’t far away.

“Sure,” Li Xiang said, taking out his phone and dutifully taking on the role of photographer.

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“Mbkp fwpv pbsop vbyv lhlausdl byp clld pvweukdt byae,” Zw Lkyd pyke okvb y pxkzl.

Zhang Chuanze: “Nian Nian, are you and Chi Yao planning to apply to the same university later ah?”

Yu Nian tilted her head, meeting Li Xiang’s gaze, then deliberately lifted her chin and replied, “I ah, I might consider it. But, you know, university is a whole different story. I heard that there are tons of handsome guys at that A University.”

“Shi Nian Nian, our Yao-ge is such a great guy—how could you even think of ditching him for someone else?” Zhang Chuanze immediately stood up for Li Xiang when he heard this.

But Li Xiang remained silent on the side, simply giving a faint smile.

That evening, it was Yu Nian’s turn to do classroom duty. Once everyone had left, Li Xiang, as usual, stayed behind to wait for her. The only difference was that, unlike his usual habit of helping her clean, today he quietly sat in his seat, focused on solving problems.

This made Yu Nian recall those early days when she first found herself in transmigrated in this book’s world. Back then, it was also like this—him waiting quietly for her.

At that time, Yu Nian was a fat girl whom everyone ridiculed. Her homework and test papers were often covered in offensive slurs. She was enduring verbal bullying at school. While this guy had a stern face and often scolded her, he also stood up for her when others went too far.

“Li Xiang, did you already know who I was back then?” Yu Nian sat at the desk in front of him, leaning forward slightly, her head tilted as she asked.

Their heads were only about a fist’s distance apart. Without even looking up, Li Xiang responded indifferently, “You’re overthinking it.”

Back then, Li Xiang was simply puzzled at how his character setting had crumbled so badly—he hadn’t suspected anything beyond that.

“Fine.” Yu Nian patted the desk, stood up, and said, “Hurry and help me sweep up ah, so we can head home.”

Who would’ve thought that when she turned back after grabbing a broom, she saw that Li Xiang was still sitting in his seat, completely motionless.

Yu Nian was puzzled and was just about to ask when Li Xiang spoke up, “I’m busy. Go ask those handsome guys at A University to help you.”

Yu Nian was stunned for a moment, and it took her a few seconds to realize the meaning behind his words. She “giggled” and couldn’t hold back a laugh.

She had already forgotten her teasing remarks from earlier in the day, but it seemed Li Xiang remembered them clearly.

“No way, I was just joking, those words don’t count ah. It’s not like you couldn’t tell.” She put down the broom, walked over to Li Xiang’s side, and playfully shook his arm, her voice turning soft and lazy as she started to act cute.

“Li Xiang.”

“Yao-ge.”

“Boyfriend.”

“Help me.”

Li Xiang turned his head to glance at her, a sly glint flashing in his eyes.

Taking advantage of her lack of preparation, he stood up and pulled her into his arms, spinning her around.

Yu Nian’s back waist was suddenly pressed against a desk. She instinctively glanced toward the door, relieved to see that no one was passing by.

The two of them were now incredibly close—so close that Yu Nian could clearly see every individual eyelash on Li Xiang’s eyes.

His warm breath brushed against her face, making Yu Nian swallow nervously. She couldn’t help but think that Li Xiang, who usually appeared so honest, was surprisingly daring. He wasn’t even afraid of being caught.

Amid her anxious thoughts, she couldn’t deny the faint thrill she felt.

Something as hugging her boyfriend in an empty classroom like this—she had never done something so bold before.

Li Xiang narrowed his eyes with a hint of dangerous intent, and asked in a deep voice, “So, A University is full of handsome guys?”

Yu Nian quickly shook her head and sweetly replied, “Not as handsome as you.”

“Not going to the same university as me?” Li Xiang leaned in slightly, closing the already small gap between them.

Instinctively, Yu Nian tilted her head back. “How could I not! Of course, I’m going to the same university as you! You can’t abandon me.”

As she spoke, she immediately resorted to acting spoiled, wrapping her arms tightly around Li Xiang’s waist and burying her face against his chest, refusing to lift it for a long while.

From Li Xiang’s perspective, all he could see was the exposed skin of her ears, now flushed an intense red.

“Nian Nian, want to try it?” Li Xiang suddenly asked.

Yu Nian tilted her head, “Try what?”

“What it feels like to kiss in this place.”

Yu Nian hesitated for only a few seconds before silently consenting. She closed her eyes, her eyelashes fluttering like delicate butterfly wings, trembling slightly from nervousness.

When his cool lips pressed down, all Yu Nian felt was comfort. Li Xiang’s kisses were always gentle, lightly brushing against her soft lips, carrying a faint mint fragrance.

Since Yu Nian had successfully lost weight, she no longer restrained herself. Just earlier, she had eaten a piece of fruit candy, leaving her lips tasting sweet and sugary.

Li Xiang tasted a mouthful of peachy sweetness, just like Yu Nian herself—soft and sweet.

In the end, the mingling of mint and peach left the boy’s breath unsteady, his heartbeat even more so.